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Child-Centered Parenting vs. Marriage Centered Parenting- Which one are you?

Both Christian and secular psychologists agree that child centered homes are risky business. Couples who center their homes around children have higher divorce rates, they strain marriages, they exhaust parents, and they set up children for a rude awakening as adults when they realize that the world doesn't revolve around them.

What does a child-centered family look like? How can we make sure we're "doing it right"? Here are a few comparisons to consider. Does your family look like the one on the right or the left?



Child-Centered Parenting

Marriage-Centered Parenting

In a child-centered, family, the parents "date" their children

Husband and wife date each other intentionally and set aside time for intimacy

All special occasions, even Valentine's Day and anniversaries include and center around children

Children Children are included in celebrations, but romantic occasions include some boundaries, and some specific celebration/gifts are for husband and wife alone

Screensavers and electronic wallpaper photos are of the children

Photos of your children are cherished, but some photos of your spouse or of you two alone are also displayed.

Parents behave like roommates

Parents behave like lovers and partners

Weekends center around children, social activities, extracurricular activities, and sporting events.

Weekends Weekends are for family time, with sometimes set aside for husband and wife alone

Conversations are centered around the children

Parents Parents generally have a variety of subjects to discuss and look forward to private conversations

Evening activit